Apple allows former iPhone users to disable iMessages

Apple has rolled out a new tool that will make it easier for iPhone users to deregister and turn off iMessage - something you might want to do if you ever switch to Android and still want to receive text messages.

Converts from the iPhone to other devices, like Androids, have said that days or even weeks after switching, their text inbox seemed suspiciously empty. This happened due to their account still being linked to iMessage account. These long pending specific errors with iMessage have been creating issues with various users since 2011.

Previously, Apple's advice was to deactivate iMessage before switching to a non-Apple phone. People who hadn't done that were told to re-insert the SIM card back into the iPhone and go through settings on the device to turn iMessage off. 

The new tool should resolve some of the confusion Android users have faced after removing their SIM card from an iPhone, which was in part the result of suggestions by other users on how to do it.

Apple's new tool includes step-by-step instructions for de-registering iPhones still in the possession of their former users.

1. Enter the phone number in Apple's web tool

2. Receive a free text message containing a code 

3. Submit the code to complete the process

4. Users with original iPhone can also transfer their SIM card back to the device and go to Settings -> Messages to turn iMessage off

iMessage routes texts through Apple's systems so that Apple users can message with each other for free.

Apple said months ago it was working on a fix for the issue.